Are children's TV programs too cool for school?

ANI | Updated: Nov 03, 2018 18:08 IST

Washington D.C [USA], Nov 3 (ANI): Recent studies have shown that television has a large impact on children's lives and for every three hours children spend in school, five hours are spent watching Television.While other studies have looked at how television impacts aspects of childhood, such as diet and exercise, little research has been done on how television shapes children's perceptions of school.The study abstract, 'Too Cool for School: Examining Portrayals of Academics in Children's Television Programming,' documented how academically-focused activities and traits are shown by characters in popular children's television programs.The study identified 30 most popular children's TV shows, and two 30-minute episodes of each program were then picked at random. Researchers examined how the shows portrayed school life and classes, how teachers were portrayed (friendly, mean, willing to help students), how the characters approached school, and stereotypical student depictions (popular, nerdy, rebellious).Overall attitudes towards school were 46 per cent positive and 33 per cent negative. Teachers were portrayed in a negative light 33 per cent of the time, while 59 per cent of students were characterized as either 'nerdy-uncool' or 'socially-awkward.' Shows targeted to younger viewers tended to show enthusiastic learners with a positive approach to school. But as the recommended viewing age got older, the overall portrayal of the school became more negative.Since television is pervasive, these types of negative portrayals may have a long-term impact on the way children view their academic experiences and may impact their idea of academics and school for the future, according to the abstract authors.This study highlighted the need to advocate for more positive depictions of academics and school in children's programming, especially as children get older. (ANI)

Washington D.C. [USA], Jan 21 (ANI): Battling the urge to resist fattening food is an everyday struggle that can only be defeated by treating ourselves to it. However, regular consumption of this kind of food can have an adverse effect on our health.

Washington D.C. [USA], Jan 20 (ANI): Looking to experience the great outdoors with your significant other? We have rounded up the top locations across the USA that is perfect for your next romantic getaway.

Imphal (Manipur) [India], Jan 18 (ANI): Agriculture is the predominant occupation of the people of Manipur and the main source of livelihood of the region. It also forms a major share of the total State Domestic Product.

Shillong (Meghalaya) [India], Jan 18 (ANI): The northeastern state of Meghalaya is one of the most scenic places in the country and has a lot to offer visitors. Ranging from lush green mountains, scenic landscape and picturesque beauty, Meghalaya has emerged as a favourite destination for tourists.

Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], Jan 17 (ANI): In another shining example of unity in diversity, a Muzaffarnagar resident has been coming to the Kumbh Mela for more than three decades to help the Sadhus light up their tents.

Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], Jan 17 (ANI): He sits in sharp contrast to the dark-skinned sadhus around him at Kumbh, smoking from a chillum, his white hair tied atop his hair. And yet, he too is an ascetic.

Washington D.C. [USA], Jan 17 (ANI): Every year, thousands of people head to the islands of Hawaii for their honeymoon. Just thinking about the vast beaches and luxury resorts is enough to melt away wedding stress. But those who travel all the way to Hawaii just to sprawl on the sands of Waikiki are m

Washington D.C. [USA], Jan 17 (ANI): Romeo, a Sehuencas water frog has been alone and single for the last 10 years. Not anymore! Housed in a museum in Bolivia, scientists may have potentially found a mate for Romeo, considered possibly the last living water frog of his kind.